The last visit on the Summer Field Study for Senior Course (SC) 114 was to Zagreb, Croatia, 25 th and 26 th June, arriving on the Croatian National Day. This was the first visit of the NATO Defense College (NDC) to Croatia as a NATO member, and it was good to join and celebrate on this special occasion.
After a smooth arrival the Croatian hosts took the NDC group on a very nice sightseeing tour of the historic Zagreb to gain some knowledge of the Croatian history, before returning to prepare and dress for the official dinner.
The Hon Pijer Simunovic, Secretary of State for Defence welcomed and addressed NDC at the hosted dinner in the MoD Restaurant “Zvonimir”. The address to NDC was a significant highlight, and it was a privilege to have him hosting NDC at the Croatian National Day. Also Vice Chief Siminic’s precence was very much appreciated on this occasion. The SC enjoyed an outstanding evening with delicious traditional food and entertainment provided by the Navy choir.
The co-host Maj Gen Sundov, our lecturer and colleague Maj Gen Repinc, and our valiant escort officer – Lt Col Kokot made sure the visit in Zagreb was a great experience.
The following day at the Croatian Defence Academy (CDA) “Petar Zrinski”, Pjer Simunovic, State Secretary MoD, provided an excellent political overview of Croatian Security and Defense policy, including the development of the strategic guidance and associated documents. Croatia made clear that she is fully committed to NATO and intends to meet all obligations to the Alliance. The requirement to ensure the integrity of Croatia’s territory, as well as protect the sovereignty of the decision making, balanced well with the description of the contribution to ISAF. Croatia strongly supports and promotes NATO enlargement in the region and sees only benefits from enlargement. These key themes were complemented well by MG Dragutin Repinc, from General Staff, who eloquently described Croatia’s transition from “peace consumer” to “peace provider”, as well as the challenges of transitioning and downsizing to an all volunteer force. This was followed by a very valuable Q&A session which also touched upon some sensitive issues related to EU membership.
Croatia ’s accession to NATO is a significant success for regional security, and considering the serious situation just 14 years ago, nothing short of miraculous and a fine example to all nations.
Overall, our time in Zagreb was a great success and gave us exactly what we needed for further discussions in Rome. NDC greatly values the presence of our Croatian colleagues as both Staff and Course Members; they form an essential part of our corporate training body.
Prepared by Captain Harald Hakonsen, NOR N
NATO Defense College